Trucking Life · Dalton, GA · off I-75
A CDL school in Dalton, GA — built by a driver, funded by drivers, no games. Class A CDL training on real trucks and real road, plus free tools for every driver already out there running.
National industry coverage
Major trucking publications are sharing the story behind Trucking Life Academy and Shawn Gresham’s mission to build better-prepared professional drivers.
TruckNews tells the story of how drivers, trucking companies and local businesses came together to help Shawn Gresham build Trucking Life Academy in Dalton, Georgia.
Read the TruckNews Story
FreightWaves features Shawn’s perspective on why stronger schools are only one part of improving training, safety and accountability across trucking.
Read the FreightWaves Story
Commercial Carrier Journal interviews Shawn Gresham about the drivers and local businesses behind Trucking Life Academy and his approach to hands-on driver training.
Watch the CCJ Interview
Independent coverage by established trucking-industry publications.
New book
A Coloring Book for Trucking Families
A trucking-family coloring book by Shawn Gresham.
Shop the Book(opens the Stan Store in a new tab)Supply the Classroom
Help equip Trucking Life Academy before doors open October 18, 2026. Pick a real item off the supply list and it ships straight to the classroom.
Pick your lane
Class A CDL training on real trucks in Dalton, GA — applying is free and collects no payment.
Prepare before CDL school. Learn the knowledge, expectations, and real-life preparation new drivers need before training begins.
Limited to the first 20 verified Founding Students
All 20 Founding Student spots are open
The truck-stop directory, guaranteed parking, and a truck-legal trip planner — built for working drivers, free.
Plain-English DOT guides verified against the eCFR, and free practice tests with the citation on every question.
The school is funded. See the founders who built it and put your name on the wall — or take the full drive through where this is all going.
The journey
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17 years on the road, zero violations
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CDL instructor & driver trainer
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Trucking Life Academy — Dalton, GA
Built by a driver, funded by drivers, no games.
Knowledge Center
Free, driver-first guidance on regulations, hours, and building a trucking career. Written to be understood on a 30-minute break, not by a compliance lawyer.
Plain-English FMCSA and 49 CFR reference, verified against the eCFR before it ships.
Open the guide →The rules that keep your CDL clean — explained the way a driver actually needs them.
Learn HOS →OTR, regional, local, owner-operator — how the money and the life really compare.
Compare paths →Featured Practice Test
Every question is written against the current CDL manual and 49 CFR, with the citation attached. Miss one, see exactly why — the moment you answer. No account needed.
Apps & Tools
Practical driver tools — regulation lookup, DataQ challenges, and more — built to save you time, money, or your CDL.
Truck Parking
Finding safe, legal overnight parking shouldn't cost you an hour of drive time. Reserve a guaranteed spot ahead and park without the stress.
Books & Guides
Written by a driver, for drivers — 17 years on the road, zero violations. Books you can hold, and guides you can read tonight.
11 guides in the store — 5 of them free.
DOT inspections, hours of service, protecting a CDL, health on the road, and the money side of running — the subjects drivers actually ask about.
Trucking Life Store
Dash cams, 12V fridges, bunk upgrades, and road-tested trucker gear — hand-picked, with an honest reason for every pick.
Amazon Associate — we earn from qualifying purchases.
The Academy
Trucking Life Academy trains working drivers and career-changers in Dalton, GA. Built to reach the people corporate schools price out or pass over.
A curriculum that follows the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training topics — theory plus behind-the-wheel range and road time.
See the curriculum →Manual 10-speed trucks and a 53-foot trailer. You train on what you’ll actually drive.
Tour the yard →Taught by working drivers, not classroom-only trainers. Road wisdom, not theory.
Meet the team →Tuition $3,795 · Financing options → · 1821 Wendell Street, Dalton, GA 30721 · Classes meet Saturdays and Sundays for eight weekends. The next class runs December 13, 2026 – January 31, 2027.
Our Truck Donors
Two businesses put Trucking Life Academy on wheels so students could train on real equipment.
JC Trucking Business Solutions LLC
2014 Freightliner
Brown’s Diesel
2012 International
The Road Ahead
A guided drive through everything Trucking Life is — the school, the tools, and the founders building it. Finish knowing exactly where you fit.
From the Channel
Regulation breakdowns, roadside reality, and the money side of driving — to 84K+ on YouTube and hundreds of thousands more across Facebook and TikTok.
Founders Wall
Paid founders funded Trucking Life Academy. The wall also clearly labels people honored for non-financial support.
SCHOOL IS FUNDED
Built founder by founder.
Thank you to the drivers and businesses who made it possible.
50 paid founders on the wall
Sponsors
Trucking companies, suppliers, and local businesses can sponsor equipment, students, or the build itself — and reach a loyal driver audience while doing real good.
